WILMINGTON – A flock of yellow rubber ducks is being readied for the annual Great Duck Race, to benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation of Vermont.

On Sunday, May 26, approximately 1,500 ducks will return to the Deerfield River, after a one-year hiatus. Last year’s race turned into dry land training after the significant landscape changes caused by Tropical Storm Irene. Volunteers for this Make-A-Wish event expect to give away over 100 prizes to duck ticket holders this year.

Tickets will be on sale the day of the event at $4 per duck. The rubber ducks float down through Wilmington from the Old Red Mill to the riverbank along the Crafts Inn. The numbered ducks are gathered at the finish line, and the ducks that are lucky enough to get caught, are matched up with prizes. Prizes include gift certificates and products from the generosity of local businesses and restaurants.

Funds raised by the event will support the efforts of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Vermont.

The mission of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Vermont is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. Wishes are from the child, and can take the form of trips, computers, pets, or visits with celebrities.

To learn more visit www.vermont.wish.org,

Great Duck Race activities include face painting, games, music, and a duck quacking contest. The event takes place on the lawn at the Crafts Inn in the center of Wilmington starting at 10 am. The ducks will go in the water at approximately 12:30 pm.

Tickets for the Great Duck Race will be on sale this weekend from volunteers at area restaurants, the chamber of commerce, and Boyd Family Farm.

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